Import Support

The world of international trade is multi-faceted. Importers in particular bear a heavy burden when receiving goods into the United States.  Amongst their many obligations, when an importer receives goods into the USA, they are solely responsible for complying with laws and regulations associated with the process.    

It is difficult for some importers to handle all the tasks such as sourcing, filing their goods with Customs Border & Protection (CBP), insuring their goods while they are in transit, and getting their goods into the USA by clearing them through Customs.  Imported goods need to get to the point of sale in the most cost efficient and timely manner.  Achieving these goals will increase margins and help a business to thrive. At the end, the bottom line matters most of all.

If an importer has the will and the man power, they can tackle all the necessary tasks involved with importing.  Operating this way is often the most cost efficient method, and by the nature of working closely with their supply chain, an importer who actively participates in the process is more likely to be able to maintain a higher compliance rating.  But for some operations, certain aspects of the importing process may cause headache, and can take away from many other important supply chain issues.

Business owners who don’t have the knowledge or the time to maintain their own importing process can hire the work out, allowing more focus on other elements of their business, and providing peace of mind in knowing that their shipments are being cared for by a licensed professional.  Although import solutions providers are professionals, it is important to always remember that ultimately, the importer of record carries all the risk and liabilities related to the importing process, regardless of who files the entries.

One logistical priority that a professional import solutions company can help importers with is determining a method of shipment in which the goods can be imported into the country and delivered to the importer’s destination.  Another key element in the USA importing process is Importer Security Filing (ISF).  An importer can opt to have a professional complete some or all ISF filing on their behalf.  For a more in-depth explanation about ISF filing, refer to this article by GDickson.  Some import solutions providers will offer insurance on the cargo coming into the USA, and while in transit to the final destination.  Once the goods cross the border into the USA, they have to be cleared by CBP before they're released.  Clearing customs entries is a service that some import solutions specialists can provide.

For those without the time or expertise to manage all of their logistics tasks directly, import solutions specialists can be a necessary link in the supply chain.  As with any professional relationship, due diligence is key in searching out a partner in business who will faithfully and dutifully maintain their end of the agreement.